Black Dot Boardwear Teams With Gore-Tex

December 20, 2002

Delivers winning combination of quality and value

SEATTLE (December 20, 2002) — For the first time, snowboarders can experience the quality and comfort of Black Dot® boardwear combined with the high-tech performance of GORE-TEX® fabric at an exceptional value. Pacific Trail, Inc. (manufacturers of the Black Dot® brand) and W.L. Gore & Associates have teamed up in a unique relationship designed to bring the best waterproof-breathable technology to riders looking for technical, performance snowboarding apparel without the sticker shock. The 2-Layer GORE-TEX fabric debuts in key styles of Black Dot snowboarding apparel for Fall 2003.

“GORE-TEX is an extremely well-known brand when in comes to waterproof-breathable fabric and Black Dot is a recognized leader at technical, performance boardwear at moderate price points,” said Gary Hansen, Pacific Trail, Inc. President. “We are pleased to offer this dynamic combination to retailers and consumers at a great value.”

Hansen added that by weaving GORE-TEX fabric into Black Dot’s Fall 2003 line, the brand is able to deliver specialized high performance styles, which enhance the brand’s image.

“Gore wants to provide everyone, from the beginning rider to the hard core freestyle or big mountain rider, with the highest quality of weather protection and comfort,” said Steve Shuster, Gore’s Brand Manager. “Our new relationship with Black Dot allows us to offer GORE-TEX® products with the ‘Guaranteed To Keep You Dry®’ promise to a broader consumer base.”

For Fall 2003, the Black Dot® brand features 2-Layer GORE-TEX in key jacket and pant styles for men and women. The two-layer fabric construction is lighter weight and softer—making it ideal for snowboarding.

The Fall 2003 Black Dot boardwear line will be available in specialty sporting goods and sporting good chain stores, beginning August 1, 2003. For more information, visit www.black-dot.com.

Perhaps best known for its consumer products like GORE-TEX® fabric, GLIDE® dental floss and ELIXIR® guitar strings, Gore is a leading manufacturer of thousands of advanced technology products for the electronics, industrial, fabrics and medical markets. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware, and employs approximately 6,000 associates in 45 facilities throughout the world. For more information about and GORE"¢ products, call 1-800-431-GORE or visit the Gore Web site, www.gore-tex.com.

Based in Seattle since the early days of snowboarding—1992, to be exact, Black Dot® boardwear is designed, developed and marketed by Pacific Trail, Inc., a leader in authentic recreational outerwear for men, women and children for over 50 years. Black Dot products are available nationwide in specialty sporting goods and sporting good chain stores.